Caltrans gives $5-million grant to beautify Huntington Beach’s Oak View neighborhood

With a $5-million grant from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $1.1-billion “Clean California” initiative, Huntington Beach’s Oak and Ash lanes are going to get a whole new look.

The state department and the city released a statement Saturday announcing the grant. The money will allow the streets to receive artistic crosswalk paintings, traffic striping, traffic and street signage. Additionally, landscaping and other infrastructural improvements will be made to beautify that part of the historic Oak View neighborhood.

The project will also establish a “Keep Your Neighborhood Clean and Beautiful” campaign with monthly events for cleanups and bulky item drop-offs. The total cost of the project — including the campaign — is estimated to be around $6.5 million and is one of 105 projects funded statewide in March to remove litter and transform public spaces in underserved communities.

“The cleanliness and beautification of our city and neighborhoods has a direct correlation to quality of life here in Huntington Beach,” said Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize in a statement. “We are thrilled to be accepting this grant and to have the opportunity to invest further into our Oak View neighborhood.”

The Oak View neighborhood is a predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood bordered by Beach Boulevard, Gothard Street and Warner and Talbert avenues. It is also the most densely populated neighborhood in Huntington Beach. Many live in crowded apartments, but some Oak View residents have left their community in search of cheaper housing and safer neighborhoods.

The project is described as increasing safety and walkability for the Oak View Elementary students who will use the street and help reduce both water usage and the “urban heat island effect,” caused by dense concentrations of pavement, sidewalks or other types of manmade surfaces that absorb heat.

City public affairs manager Jennifer Carey said city officials have been meeting regularly with the community over the last two years to gather input on the improvements that they would like to see.

“As one of the most densely populated and historically underserved neighborhoods within Huntington Beach, the city has made a substantial effort to work with residents on continued enhancements,” said Carey in an email to the Daily Pilot. “We are pleased that the state is supporting our ongoing efforts with the awarding of the $5 million Clean California grant.”

Caltrans said nearly 572,000 cubic yards of litter from state highways were removed since Clean California launched in July.

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